Many of us have to admit that we are frequently last on our list of to do’s. Taking care of everything else and everyone else comes first. Taking care of ourselves comes last. This feels like the “right thing to do”. It feels sacrificial and loving. Conversely, taking care of ourselves feels downright wrong, selfish, overindulgent and is often accompanied by feelings of guilt.
Oddly enough, the opposite of these feelings is actually true.
Adequate self-care reflects:
Wisdom – Self-care involves knowing ourselves well enough to know what we need and taking action to meet that need.
Humility – Try as we might, we are not omnipotent. Appropriate self-care requires having boundaries which are essentially a manifestation of an accurate view of our own limitations
Love and caring – Self-care is critical in order to be able to give to others, care for others (the opposite of selfish) without resentment.
“[When we take care of ourselves], we become conscious and conscientious people. We tell the truth. We make choices from a place of love and compassion instead of guilt and obligation.”
~Cheryl Richardson
Self-care is a necessary element in living an emotionally healthy life. While the specifics vary for each individual, counseling can often play an integral role in taking care of yourself.
What steps do you need to take to take care of yourself today?
